Sports clubs are often referred to as the backbone of English sport. They provide considerable opportunities for people to enjoy, participate and perform in sport. Whilst there are many opportunities for people to participate recreationally in sport outside of these club structures, it is principally within a club setting that people have the opportunity to develop their skills and to compete. In addition, whilst there are opportunities for people to train and perform at a high level in sport through national programmes, many top performers continue to be members of sports clubs.

This Consultation Document sets out a suggested vision, outcomes, principles, objectives and performance measures for a national strategic framework for sports clubs in England. The purpose of this process is to create a shared vision against which individual agencies (NGBs, local authorities, Sports Partnerships, Regional Sports Boards and national sports development bodies) can commit their own resources and endeavours so as to act in alliance with one another to benefit the development of sports clubs.